What is an Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)?

 The vestibular aqueduct is a bony canal that begins inside the temporal bone and travels

within the inner ear to deep inside the skull

 Running through the aqueduct is a fluid-filled tube called the endolymphatic duct, which

connects the inner ear to the endolymphatic sac

 The role of these two structures is to maintain a normal ion concentration

 Some believe that the vestibular aqueduct is mature at birth, while others believe it

continues to grow postnatally until about age 3-4

A vestibular aqueduct is considered enlarged if it is greater than 1-1.5mm. Usually, when the

aqueduct is enlarged, the endolymphatic duct and sac are large too. This causes the regulation of

cochlear fluid and ion concentration to be disrupted

EVA & HEARING LOSS

 EVA can occur in isolation, but also can co-occur with congenital disorders such as

Pendred syndrome, CHARGE syndrome and Branchiootorenal syndrome

 EVA can lead to both hearing loss (most likely sensorineural) and balance issues

 It can be identified with a CI Scan or an MRI

 There is no “cure” for EVA, but hearing aids are most commonly used to manage hearing

loss associated with it

 Vestibular therapy can be beneficial to those who have balance problems due to EVA

EVA & CONTACT SPORTS

 Those with EVA may be at risk for progressive hearing loss, in which the hearing can

gradually or rapidly decrease or fluctuate over time

 Head injury or barotrauma increase the likelihood of progressive hearing loss

 People with EVA are *strongly advised* to avoid contact sports such as football and

soccer, as well as wear helmets when engaging in activities that put them at risk for head

injury

Contact us for more information on EVA!